A tank like this has great ventilation, is escape-proof, and is easy to clean. You’ll also have enough space for your hamster to be happy and for you to fill with all sorts of interesting cage accessories.

Now, you might be thinking that the modular plastic cages look more fun. Or a smaller cage fits better in your room.

But that tiny plastic cage is going to be a nightmare to clean and you will have to clean it more frequently. I don’t know about you…but I don’t enjoy cleaning out a stinky cage multiple times a week.

And as if that’s not enough, your hamster will be stressed out in that small cage, which leads to all sorts of problems like chewing of the cage bars or health problems in the long run.

So if you care about the well-being of your new pet, or if you simply want to have more fun and less work with your pet, go with the 40 gallon tank

If glass tanks are not possible for you, the next best thing would be a DIY plastic bin cage or a cage made from modified furniture. These take a bit more work but can be cheaper if you are on a tight budget.

Just remember that the larger your cage, the better it is for you and your hamster.

Cage Bedding

Your hamster need bedding to burrow in and to build a nest with.

And hamsters are happier when they are given a deep layer of bedding to burrow in.

Good bedding also helps to absorb smells and urine and let you go longer before having to clean the cage.

It might not be apparent to a new owner but hamster bedding is probably the most expensive thing when you’re keeping hamsters.

This is something that you’ll have to buy over and over again.

And as it turns out, the total cost of bedding over the lifespan of your hamster easily costs more than the a cage.

What’s more, there are so many bedding options on the market that it can be confusing for a beginner.